Senior Procurement Officer

Interim Senior Procurement Officer – Highways and Transport 

Must be able to travel to Dorset (2 days a week in the office) some flexibility for the right candidate..

Previous local government experience essential with working knowledge within School Transport Contracts and Public Transport Contracts.

Location: Hybrid (2 days in office per week – some negotiation) 
Contract: Interim – 3 months – 37 hours a week
Day Rate: £500 a day Inside IR35
Start Date: Immediate 

 Role Purpose 

We are seeking an experienced Interim Procurement Officer to lead urgent and complex procurements. This role will support the delivery of high-value contracts for public and school transport. The primary purpose of the recruitment is a skilled procurement officer with an understanding of local government procurement with a Place context. This supports the strategic procurements including:  school transport contracts, public transport contracts. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Manage end-to-end procurement processes school transport contracts, public transport contracts
• Ensure all procurement activity complies with UK public procurement regulations, the Procurement Act 2023, and local authority standing orders. 

• Prepare tender documentation, support supplier engagement, and oversee evaluation and award processes. 

• Advise internal stakeholders on procurement strategy, risk management, and contract compliance. 

• Support the development and delivery of frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems. 

• Maintain accurate records for audit and governance purposes. 

• Provide expert guidance to internal teams  

Essential Skills & Experience 

• Proven experience in public sector procurement, ideally within a local authority setting. 

• Strong knowledge of UK procurement legislation and contract forms (NEC). 

• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects under tight deadlines. 

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills. 

• Immediate availability and ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities. 

Desirable 

• MCIPS or equivalent procurement qualification. 

• Familiarity with e-tendering platforms and contract management systems. 

Working Conditions 

• Hybrid working model (minimum 2 days in office per week).